Inaugural Edition of ‘Karnataka International Travel Expo 2019

Inaugural Edition of ‘Karnataka International Travel Expo 2019’ a grand success Dates: 25 – 27 August 2019 Venue: LaLiT Ashok Bengaluru Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, and Karnataka Tourism Society jointly hosted the inaugural edition of 'Karnataka International Travel Expo'. The event was held from 25 – 27 August 2019 and had participation from over 400 registered buyers and media personnel from 30 countries. The KITE event was inaugurated by Honourable Chief Minister of Karnataka, Sri B.S. Yediyurappa on 26th August 2019 at The LaLiT Ashok Bengaluru. Inaugurating the event, Sri B.S. Yediyurappa said “Karnataka has immense potential to become a world-class destination, and we in Karnataka are supporting the efforts of the tourism department to market the State globally.

The vision for Karnataka Tourism is to increase the sector’s GSDP contribution to 20% by 2025 and provide direct and indirect employment to 65 lakh people through tourism”. The chief goal of the KITE expo was to showcase Karnataka Tourism to the world and increase the overall size of the State’s tourism sector. The event has facilitated approximately 10,000 B2B Meetings to bring together International and Indian buyers and sellers, showcasing the best of Karnataka and creating an opportunity for visitors to get first-hand exposure to the various tourism products of Karnataka. The B2B Meetings have the potential to offer immense business opportunities for the tourism industry in Karnataka. Many tourism industry players of Karnataka who participated in the event have expressed their satisfaction with the overwhelming response. Key Features of KITE 2019: ● One of India’s biggest Hosted Buyer Travel Event ● The first time such an event has been held in Karnataka, making it the sixth state of India to successfully host such an event ● More than 10,000 B2B meetings between tourism stakeholders for Karnataka over 2 days ● Participation of over 300 Buyers from 30 countries ● Over 100 Exhibitors representing various destinations and marquee products of Karnataka ● Coverage from over 40 media representatives and bloggers, including 17 representatives from international markets ●

Over 15 different tourism segments of Karnataka including Heritage, Wildlife, Adventure, Coastal, Spiritual, Ecotourism, Wellness, and Meetings & Conferences were showcased ● Familiarisation Tours showcasing major destinations of Karnataka will be conducted before and after the KITE event. Prominent destinations covered include Hampi, Coorg, Kabini, Mysore, Chikmagalur, Vijayapura, Badami and Pattadakal among several others ● Karnataka Tourism Society comprising stakeholders from various industry associations provided complimentary hotel stay of over 700 room nights to support the pre-event and post-event Familiarisation Tours to showcase the State

ಪ್ರಶಂಸನೀಯ ಕರ್ತವ್ಯ ನಿರ್ವಹಿಸಿದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ವರದಿ.

ಶ್ರೀ ಪವನಕುಮಾರ್ ಟಿ ಎಸ್, ಬಿ.ಸಂ- 11430 ಮತ್ತು  ಶ್ರೀ ಕೆ ಎ ಶೇಖರೇಗೌಡ, ಚಾ/ನಿ, ಬಿ.ಸಂ- 6753, ಘಟಕ-01ರವರು ಪ್ರಶಂಸನೀಯ ಕರ್ತವ್ಯ ನಿರ್ವಹಿಸಿದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ವರದಿ.
ಕೆಎ-57 ಎಫ್-3779 ಮಾರ್ಗ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆ: 141/142 ( ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು-ಮುನ್ನಾರ್) ವಾಹನದ ಚಾಲಕರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ಪವನಕುಮಾರ್ ಟಿ ಎಸ್, ಬಿ.ಸಂ-11430 ಮತ್ತು  ಚಾಲಕ-ಕಂ-ನಿರ್ವಾಹಕರಾಗಿ ಶ್ರೀ  ಕೆ ಎ ಶೇಖರೇಗೌಡ, ಬಿ.ಸಂ-6753, ರವರು ನಿಯೋಜಿತಗೊಂಡಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಸದರಿ ವಾಹನವು ದಿನಾಂಕ: 26.08.2019 ರ ಮಧ್ಯರಾತ್ರಿ ಚಿನ್ನರ್ ಅಭಯಾರಣ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಬರುತ್ತಿರುವಾಗ, ಅಪರಿಚಿತ ಮಹಿಳೆಯಾದ ಶ್ರೀಮತಿ ಜಯಶ್ರೀ  ಎಂಬುವವರು ಕೈ ತೋರಿಸಿದಾಗ ಬಸ್ಸನ್ನು ನಿಲ್ಲಿಸಲಾಯಿತು.

ಬಸ್ ನಿಲ್ಲಿಸಿದಾಗ ಅಪರಿಚಿತ ಪುರುಷ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿ ಆ ಮಹಿಳೆಯನ್ನು ನಮ್ಮ ವಾಹನದಲ್ಲಿ ಹತ್ತಿಸಿ, ಅವಳನ್ನು ಜನಸಂದಣಿ ಇರುವ ಸ್ಥಳದಲ್ಲಿ ತಲುಪಿಸುವಂತೆ ಕೋರಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ.

ನಂತರ ನಮ್ಮ ವಾಹನದ ಚಾಲನಾ ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿಗಳು ಅವರನ್ನು ವಿಚಾರಿಸಲಾಗಿ, ಅವರು ರಾಯಚೂರಿನ ಮಹಿಳೆ ಎಂಬುದಾಗಿ ತಿಳಿಸಿದ್ದು, ಆಗ ನೀವು  ವಾಹನದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಯಾಣಿಸಬೇಕಾದರೆ ನಿಗದಿತ ಮೊತ್ತವನ್ನು  ನೀಡಿ ಚೀಟಿಯನ್ನು ಪಡೆಯುವಂತೆ ತಿಳಿಸಲಾಗಿ, ಅವರು ನನ್ನ ಹತ್ತಿರ ಹಣವಿರುವುದಿಲ್ಲವೆಂದು ತಿಳಿಸಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಆಗ ನಮ್ಮ  ವಾಹನದ ಚಾಲನಾ ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿಗಳು ಅವರ ಸ್ವಂತ ಹಣದಿಂದ ಟಿಕೇಟು ಖರೀದಿಸಿ, ಅದನ್ನು ಅವರಿಗೆ ನೀಡಿ, ಊಟೋಪಚಾರದ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆಯನ್ನು ಸಹ ಮಾಡಿ ಅವರನ್ನು ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ವರೆಗೂ ಕರೆತಂದಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ.

ಮುಂದುವರೆದು, ಸದರಿಯವರನ್ನು ವಿಚಾರಿಸಿದಾಗ ಅವರ ತಂದೆಯ ದೂರವಾಣಿಯ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆಯನ್ನು ನೀಡಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಅದನ್ನು ಪಡೆದು ಅವರ ತಂದೆಯನ್ನು ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿಗೆ ಕರೆಯಿಸಲಾಗಿರುತ್ತದೆ. ಮಹಿಳೆಯು ಮಾನಸಿಕವಾಗಿ ಖಿನ್ನತೆಗೆ ಒಳಪಟ್ಟಿರಬಹುದಾಗಿದ್ದನ್ನು ಮನಗಂಡ ನಮ್ಮ ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿಗಳು ನಂತರ ಆ ಮಹಿಳೆಯನ್ನ ವಿಲ್ಸನ್ ಗಾರ್ಡನ್  ಪೋಲಿಸ್ ಠಾಣೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಆರಕ್ಷಕರ ಸಮ್ಮುಖದಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರ ತಂದೆಯ ಸುಪರ್ದಿಗೆ ಒಪ್ಪಿಸಲಾಗಿರುತ್ತದೆ.

ನಮ್ಮ‌ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿಗಳ ಸಮಯೋಚಿತ ಸಹಾಯದಿಂದ ಮತ್ತು ಮಾನವೀಯತೆಯಿಂದ  ಸದರಿ ಮಹಿಳೆಯವರು ಸುರಕ್ಷಿತವಾಗಿ ಅವರ ಮನೆಗೆ ತಲುಪಿಸಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ.

ಸದರಿ ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿಗಳ ಕಾರ್ಯವು ಶ್ಲಾಘನೀಯ ಹಾಗೂ ಇತರೆ ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಮಾದರಿಯಾಗಿರುವುದಾಗಿ ತಿಳಿಸಿ , ಮಾನ್ಯ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥಾಪಕ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕರು ಅಭಿನಂದನಾ ಪತ್ರವನ್ನು ನೀಡಿ ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿಗಳ ಕಾರ್ಯವನ್ನು  ಪ್ರಶಂಸಿಸಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ.

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಣ್ಣ ಹಾಗೂ ಮಧ್ಯಮ ಕೈಗಾರಿಕೆಗಳು ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಕಠಿಣ ಪರಿಸ್ಥಿತಿ - R Raju, President KASIA.

 ‘ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ತೆರಿಗೆ ನೀತಿ ಹಾಗೂ ದೇಶ ಎದುರಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವ ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ಹಿಂಜರಿತದಿಂದಾಗಿ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಸಣ್ಣ ಕೈಗಾರಿಕಾ ವಲಯ ಭಾಗಶಃ ಕುಸಿದು ಬಿದ್ದಿದ್ದು, ಸುಮಾರು ಆರು ಸಾವಿರ ಕೈಗಾರಿಕೆಗಳು ನಷ್ಟದಲ್ಲಿವೆ. ಇದರ ಪರಿಣಾಮವಾಗಿ ಶೀಘ್ರವೇ ರಾಜ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಸುಮಾರು 15 ರಿಂದ 20 ಲಕ್ಷ ಮಂದಿ ಉದ್ಯೋಗ ಕಳೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳಲಿದ್ದಾರೆ.’

-  ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಸಣ್ಣ ಕೈಗಾರಿಕೆಗಳ ಸಂಘ (ಕಾಸಿಯಾ)ದ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಆರ್‌. ರಾಜು ಭವಿಷ್ಯ ನುಡಿದಿದ್ದಾರೆ!

ಮಂಗಳವಾರ ಪತ್ರಿಕಾಗೋಷ್ಠಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಿದ ಅವರು, ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಣ್ಣ ಹಾಗೂ ಮಧ್ಯಮ ಕೈಗಾರಿಕೆಗಳು ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಕಠಿಣ ಪರಿಸ್ಥಿತಿ ಎದುರಿಸುತ್ತಿವೆ. ಪರಿಸ್ಥಿತಿ ಇನ್ನೂ ಬಿಗಡಾಯಿಸುವ ಸಾಧ್ಯತೆಯಿದೆ. ಹೀಗಾದರೆ ಆಟೋ ಮೊಬೈಲ್‌, ಜವಳಿ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಹಲವು ಉದ್ಯಮಗಳು ಭಾರೀ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗೆ ಸಿಲುಕಲಿವೆ. ಲಕ್ಷಾಂತರ ಉದ್ಯೋಗಗಳು ನಷ್ಟವಾಗಲಿದ್ದು, ದೇಶದ ಕೈಗಾರಿಕಾ ಹಬ್‌ ಎನಿಸಿರುವ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ನಗರವೊಂದರಲ್ಲೇ 10 ರಿಂದ 12 ಲಕ್ಷ ಮಂದಿ ಉದ್ಯೋಗ ಕಳೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳಲಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಎಂದರು.

ಈಗಾಗಲೇ ಮಾರುತಿ, ಹೀರೋ, ಮಹೀಂದ್ರ, ಟೊಯೋಟಾ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಹಲವು ಕಂಪನಿಗಳ ಮಾರುಕಟ್ಟೆ ವಹಿವಾಟು ಕುಸಿದಿದ್ದು, ಉತ್ಪಾದನೆ ಕಡಿಮೆಯಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಆಯಾ ಕಂಪನಿಗಳೇ ಹೇಳಿಕೆ ನೀಡುತ್ತಿವೆ. ಆಟೋಮೊಬೈಲ್‌ ಉದ್ಯಮ ಸಂಕಷ್ಟದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಿಲುಕಿದೆ. ಇದನ್ನೇ ನಂಬಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದ ಬೈಕ್‌, ಕಾರು ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಇತರ ವಾಹನಗಳ ಉತ್ಪಾದಕರು, ಎಲೆಕ್ಟ್ರಿಕಲ್‌, ಎಲೆಕ್ಟ್ರಾನಿಕ್‌ ಕೈಗಾರಿಕೆಗಳು ನೆಲಕಚ್ಚುವ ಪರಿಸ್ಥಿತಿ ಇದೆ. ಪ್ರಸ್ತುತ ಆಟೋಮೊಬೈಲ್‌ ಮತ್ತು ಟೆಕ್ಸ್‌ಟೈಲ್ಸ್‌ (ಗಾರ್ಮೆಂಟ್ಸ್‌) ಉದ್ಯಮ ನಂಬಿಕೊಂಡು ತಲಾ ಶೇ.40ರಷ್ಟುಸಣ್ಣ ಮತ್ತು ಮಧ್ಯಮ ಕೈಗಾರಿಕೆಗಳು ನಡೆಯುತ್ತಿದ್ದು, ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ಹಿಂಜರಿತದಿಂದ ಲಕ್ಷಾಂತರ ಮಂದಿ ಉದ್ಯೋಗ ಕಳೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳುವ ಸಾಧ್ಯತೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಇದೆ ಎಂದು ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು.

ಸಣ್ಣ ಮತ್ತು ಮಧ್ಯಮ ಕೈಗಾರಿಕೆಗಳು ಪ್ರತಿ ತಿಂಗಳು ತಪ್ಪದೆ ಶೇ.18ರಷ್ಟುತೆರಿಗೆಯನ್ನು ಕಟ್ಟಲೇಬೇಕಿದೆ. ಬೃಹತ್‌ ಕೈಗಾರಿಕೆಗಳು ನೀಡುವ ಲೇಬರ್‌ ಮತ್ತು ಜಾಬ್‌ ವರ್ಕ್ಗೆ ಶೇ.18ರಷ್ಟು ಜಿಎಸ್‌ಟಿಯನ್ನು ಈ ಉದ್ಯಮಗಳು ಪಾವತಿ ಮಾಡಬೇಕು. ಆದರೆ, ಸಣ್ಣ ಮತ್ತು ಮಧ್ಯಮ ಕೈಗಾರಿಕೆಗಳಿಂದ ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡಿಸಿಕೊಂಡ ಬೃಹತ್‌ ಕೈಗಾರಿಕೆಗಳು ನಿಗದಿತ ಅವಧಿಗೆ ಹಣವನ್ನು ಮರುಪಾವತಿಸುತ್ತಿಲ್ಲ. ಇದು ಉದ್ಯಮದ ಮೇಲೆ ದೊಡ್ಡ ಹೊಡೆತ ನೀಡಿದೆ. ಜಿಎಸ್‌ಟಿ ಜಾರಿಗೂ ಮುನ್ನ 10 ಲಕ್ಷ ರು.ಗಳ ವರೆಗೂ ರಿಯಾಯಿತಿ ಇತ್ತು. ಆ ನಂತರ ಸೇವಾ ತೆರಿಗೆ ಪಾವತಿ ಮಾಡಬೇಕಿತ್ತು. ಈಗ ಆ ರೀತಿಯ ಯಾವುದೇ ಸಲವತ್ತುಗಳು ಸಣ್ಣ ಕೈಗಾರಿಕೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಸಿಗುತ್ತಿಲ್ಲ ಎಂದು ಆರೋಪಿಸಿದರು.

ಕನಿಷ್ಠ ವೇತನ ನೀತಿ ಬದಲಿಸಿ: ಕನಿಷ್ಠ ವೇತನ ನೀತಿಯಿಂದಲೂ ಉದ್ಯಮಗಳಿಗೆ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಯುಂಟಾಗಿದೆ. ಅದರಲ್ಲೂ ಜವಳಿ ಉದ್ಯಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಲಕ್ಷಾಂತರ ಕಾರ್ಮಿಕರು ದುಡಿಯುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಅಲ್ಲೂ ಕೂಡ ಶೇ.18ರಷ್ಟುಜಿಎಸ್‌ಟಿ ಕಟ್ಟಬೇಕು. ಜತೆಗೆ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಜಾರಿಗೆ ತಂದಿರುವ ಕನಿಷ್ಠ ವೇತನವನ್ನು ಕಾರ್ಮಿಕರಿಗೆ ಕೊಡಬೇಕಿದೆ. ಸಣ್ಣ ಕೈಗಾರಿಕೆಯಲ್ಲಿ 7ರಿಂದ 8 ಸಾವಿರ ರು. ವೇತನ ನೀಡಬೇಕಾದ ಜಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಕನಿಷ್ಠ ವೇತನ ನೀತಿಯಿಂದ 15 ಸಾವಿರ ರು.ಗಳನ್ನು ಕೊಡಬೇಕಾದ ಒತ್ತಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಉದ್ಯಮ ಸಿಲುಕಿದೆ. ಇದರಿಂದ ಸಣ್ಣ ಮತ್ತು ಮಧ್ಯಮ ಕೈಗಾರಿಕೆಗಳು ಮುಚ್ಚುವಂತಹ ಪರಿಸ್ಥಿತಿಗೆ ಬಂದಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಬೇಸರ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸಿದರು.

ಸಾಲ ಖಾತರಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿಸಿ:  ಹಾಗೆಯೇ ಸಣ್ಣ ಉದ್ದಿಮೆಗಳ ಕಾರ್ಯನಿರ್ವಹಣೆಗಾಗಿ ಸೂಕ್ತ ಹಣಕಾಸು ಸೌಲಭ್ಯದ ಅಗತ್ಯತೆ ಹಿನ್ನೆಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸಣ್ಣ ಮತ್ತು ಮಧ್ಯಮ ಕೈಗಾರಿಕೆಗಳಿಗೆ 5 ಕೋಟಿ ರು.ಗಳ ಸಾಲ ಖಾತರಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿಸಬೇಕು. ಸಿಜಿಟಿಎಂಎಸ್‌ಇ(ಕ್ರೆಡಿಟ್‌ ಗ್ಯಾರಂಟಿ ಫಂಡ್‌ ಟ್ರಸ್ಟ್‌ ಫಾರ್‌ ಮೈಕ್ರೋ ಆ್ಯಂಡ್‌ ಸ್ಮಾಲ್‌ ಎಂಟರ್‌ಪ್ರೈಸಸ್‌) ಅಡಿ ನಿಯಮಗಳನ್ನು ಅನುಷ್ಠಾನಗೊಳಿಸುವಂತೆ ಬ್ಯಾಂಕುಗಳಿಗೆ ಸೂಚನೆ ನೀಡಬೇಕು. ಸರ್ಕಾರಗಳು 30 ದಿನಗಳ ಒಳಗೆ ಜಿಎಸ್‌ಟಿ ರೀಫಂಡ್‌ ಮಾಡಬೇಕು. ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿಪಡಿಸಿದ ಕೈಗಾರಿಕಾ ಪ್ರದೇಶಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಕಡಿಮೆ ಬೆಲೆಗೆ ನಿವೇಶನಗಳನ್ನು ಹಂಚಿಕೆ ಮಾಡಬೇಕು. ಬ್ಯಾಂಕುಗಳಿಂದ ಸಣ್ಣ ಉದ್ಯಮಕ್ಕೆ ಪಡೆದ ಸಾಲ ಮರುಪಾವತಿ ಅವಧಿಯನ್ನು 90 ದಿನಗಳ ಬದಲಿಗೆ 180 ದಿನಗಳಿಗೆ ವಿಸ್ತರಿಸಬೇಕು. ಉದ್ಯಮಕ್ಕೆ ಶೇ.4ರಷ್ಟುಬಡ್ಡಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾಲ ವಿಸ್ತರಣೆ ಮಾಡಬೇಕು. ಇದರಿಂದ ಸಣ್ಣ ಮತ್ತು ಮಧ್ಯಮ ಕೈಗಾರಿಕೆ ಅವನತಿ ಹೊಂದುವುದನ್ನು ತಪ್ಪಿಸಬಹುದು ಎಂದು ಸಲಹೆ ನೀಡಿದರು

ಕುಮಾರ ರಕ್ಷಾ" ಆಂಬ್ಯೂಲೆನ್ಸ್‌ ರವಾನೆ* • ಮಾಜಿ ಪ್ರಧಾನಿ ದೇವೇಗೌಡರಿಂದ ಚಾಲನೆ

*ಪ್ರವಾಹ ಪೀಡಿತರ ಅನುಕೂಲಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಜನತಾದಳ ಪಕ್ಷದ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಉಪಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರಾದ ಡಾ ಬಿ.ಎಂ ಉಮೇಶ್‌ ಕುಮಾರ್‌ರಿಂದ "ಕುಮಾರ ರಕ್ಷಾ" ಆಂಬ್ಯೂಲೆನ್ಸ್‌ ರವಾನೆ*
• ಮಾಜಿ ಪ್ರಧಾನಿ ದೇವೇಗೌಡರಿಂದ ಚಾಲನೆ                                         * ವಿಧಾನ ಪರಿಷತ್‌ ಸದಸ್ಯರಾದ ಟಿ ಎ ಶರವಣ ಅವರ ಹುಟ್ಟುಹಬ್ಬದ ಪ್ರಯುಕ್ತ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮ

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಆಗಸ್ಟ್‌ 27: ಉತ್ತರ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದದಲ್ಲಿ ನೆರೆಯಿಂದ ಜನರಿಗೆ ಆಗಿರುವ ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗೆ ಉಚಿತವಾಗಿ ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆ ನೀಡುವ ಕುಮಾರ ರಕ್ಷಾ ಆಂಬ್ಯುಲೆನ್ಸನ್ನು ಮಾಜಿ ಪ್ರಧಾನಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಜೆಡಿಎಸ್‌ ವರಿಷ್ಠರಾದ ಹೆಚ್‌ ಡಿ ದೇವೇಗೌಡ ಅವರು ಚಾಲನೆ ನೀಡಿದಿದರು.

ವಿಧಾನ ಪರಿಷತ್‌ ಸದಸ್ಯರಾದ ಟಿ.ಎ ಶರವಣ ಅವರ ಹುಟ್ಟುಹಬ್ಬದ ಪ್ರಯುಕ್ತ, ಜನತಾದಳ ಪಕ್ಷದ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಉಪಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರಾದ ಡಾ ಬಿ.ಎಂ ಉಮೇಶ್‌ ಕುಮಾರ್‌ “ಕುಮಾರ ರಕ್ಷಾ” ಎಂಬ ವೈದ್ಯಕೀಯ ಸೌಲಭ್ಯವುಳ್ಳ ವಾಹನವನ್ನು ಉತ್ತರ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಬೆಳಗಾವಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಸುತ್ತಮುತ್ತಲಿನ ಪ್ರವಾಹ ಪೀಡಿತರ ಅನುಕೂಲಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಕಳುಹಿಸಿಕೊಡಲಾಯಿತು.

ನೆರವಿನ ವಾಹನಕ್ಕೆ ಜೆ.ಡಿ.ಎಸ್ ವರಿಷ್ಠ ಮಾನ್ಯ ಗೌರವಾನ್ವಿತ ಮಾಜಿ ಪ್ರಧಾನ ಮಂತ್ರಿಗಳಾದ ಶ್ರೀ H.D. ದೇವೇಗೌಡರು ಚಾಲನೆ ನೀಡಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಿದರು ನೆರೆ ಸಂತ್ರಸ್ತರಿಗೆ ನೆರವಾಗುತ್ತಿರುವ ಕಾರ್ಯ ಶ್ಲಾಘನೀಯ.  ಉತ್ತರ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಜನರಿಗೆ ಸಹಾಯಕ್ಕೆ ಮುಂದಾಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಅವರ ಸೇವಾ ಕಾರ್ಯ ನಿರಂತರವಾಗಿರಲಿ ಉನ್ನತ ಸ್ಥಾನಕ್ಕೇರಲಿ ಎಂದು ದೇವೇಗೌಡರು ಆಶಿಸಿದರು.

ಸದರಿ ಕುಮಾರ ರಕ್ಷಾ ವಾಹನದಲ್ಲಿ ನೆರೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಂಗಾಲಾಗಿರುವ ಕುಟುಂಬಗಳಿಗೆ ಔಷಧಿ ಅಗತ್ಯವಿರುವಂತಹ ಹೊದಿಗೆ, ಛತ್ರಿ, ಬ್ರೆಡ್ಡು, ಬಿಸ್ಕತ್ತು, ಊಟ ತಿಂಡಿ, ಕುಡಿಯುವ ನೀರು, ಟಾರ್ಚು,  ಚಪಾತಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಇನ್ನಿತರೆ ಅವಶ್ಯ ಸಾಮಗ್ರಿಗಳನ್ನು  ಕಳುಹಿಸಿ ಕೊಡಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಈ ವಾಹನಗಳ ಜೊತೆ ಸುಮಾರು 15 ಕ್ಕೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಸ್ವಯಂ ಪ್ರೇರಿತ ಕಾರ್ಯಕರ್ತರನ್ನು ಸೂಕ್ತವಾದ ಮಾರ್ಗದರ್ಶನ ನೀಡಿ ಸೇವೆಯನ್ನು ಮಾಡಲು ಕಳುಹಿಸಿಕೊಡಲಾಗಿದೆ ಉಮೇಶ್ ರವರು ತಮ್ಮ ಸ್ವಂತ  ವೆಚ್ಚದಿಂದ  ವಿನಿಯೋಗಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
"ಪರೋಪಕಾರಾರ್ಥಂ ಇದಂ ಶರೀರಂ" ಎನ್ನುವ ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತ ಉಕ್ತಿಗನುಗುಣವಾಗಿ ಸಂಕಷ್ಟದಲ್ಲಿರುವವರ ಸೇವೆಗೆ ಸದಾ ಸ್ಪಂದಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

Transport arrangements of 1800 additional buses by KSRTC during Gowri Ganesha Festival

KARNATAKA STATE ROAD  TRANSPORT  CORPORATION
CENTRAL OFFICES : BANGALORE-27

Transport arrangements of   1800 additional buses by KSRTC during Gowri Ganesha Festival

In view of Gowri Ganesha Festival on 02.09.2019, KSRTC has made elaborate arrangements for operating 1800 extra buses as mentioned below in addition to the existing schedules to provide transport facility to the traveling  public on 30.08.2019 & 31.08.2019 from Bengaluru. Later, special buses will be operated from various places of Intra & Interstate places to Bengaluru on 02.09.2019.
Special buses will be exclusively operated from Bengaluru Kempegowda Bus Station to Dharmastala, Kukkesubramanya, Shivamogga, Hassan, Mangaluru, Kundapura, Sringeri, Horanadu, Davangere, Hubballi, Dharwad, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Gokarna, Sirsi, Karwar, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Ballari, Koppala, Yadgir, Bidar, Tirupathi and other places.
Special buses from Mysuru Road Bus Station will be exclusively operated towards Mysuru, Hunsur, Piriyapatna, Virajpet, Kushalanagar, Madikeri.
All premier special buses will be operated from Shanthinagar(In front of KSRTC, Bengaluru Central Depot-4 & Depot-2) to Madurai, Kumbakonam, Trichy, Chennai, Coimbatore, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Hyderabad and other places in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh/Telangana state.
Special buses will be operated from Sri Basaveshwara Bus Station, Vijayanagara, Jayanagar 4th Block, Jalahalli Cross, Navarang(Rajajinagar), Malleshwaram 18th Cross,  Banashankari, Jeevanbheemanagar, ITI Gate, Ganganagar, Kengeri Satellite Town to Shivamogga, Davanagere, Tirupathi, Mangaluru, Kundapur, Sringeri, Horanadu, Kukkesubramanya, Dharmastala and other places based on the traffic potential.
Facility is provided to book computerized reservation tickets in advance for the special buses.
Reserved passengers are requested to note the place of boarding in their reservation ticket.
Passengers can book tickets online by logging on to www.ksrtc.in.
Advance reservation of tickets for the special and scheduled buses of KSRTC can be booked through 707 counters within Karnataka &  in other States.
A discount of 5% on the fare will be extended, if four or more passenger’s book tickets in a single ticket and a discount of 10% is offered on the return journey ticket if onward and downward journey tickets are booked simultaneously.
Advance Reservation tickets for the services of KSRTC can be booked through the booking counters established by KSRTC at important cities of neighbouring States i.e. Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Puduchery, Maharashtra and Goa State.
The details of the special operations like place and timings of departure have been provided in the computerized advance reservation network and KSRTC website for the information of the traveling public.
In addition to the above, special buses will be operated from all Taluk/District Bus Stands in the jurisdiction of KSRTC based on the traffic needs.

                                                                     -sd-
                                                                                Chief Traffic Manager(O)             

Gallops Autohaus opens its new MINI Showroom.

The iconic MINI arrives in Ahmedabad.

 

Gallops Autohaus opens its new MINI Showroom.

Ahmedabad. MINI India announced the appointment of Gallops Autohaus as its dealer partner for Ahmedabad.

 

Located above BMW showroom at Survey No. 220, Sarkhej Sanand Road, S G Highway, Sarkhej in Ahmedabad, the new MINI showroom offers the complete experience of the MINI product range and services for customers and prospects. The dealership is headed by Mr. Tanuj Pugalia, Dealer Principal, Gallops Autohaus.

 

Mr. Rudratej Singh, President and CEO, BMW Group India said, “BMW Group and its brands create ground-breaking and emotional premium mobility solutions for discerning customers of today and tomorrow. MINI is a personality on wheels – a fashion statement – and a way of life. Its sophisticated character combines intelligence with creativity, delivering substance while cleverly using space and resources. We are delighted to extend our partnership with Gallops Autohaus as a dealer partner for MINI. Gallops Autohaus has an in-depth understanding of luxury trends in Gujarat and we are confident that together we will be able to offer an immersive experience of products and services in Gujarat.”

 

The new MINI showroom is an amalgamation of functionality, creativity and authenticity. The creative use of space combined with the use of natural materials is true to MINI’s progressive and inventive spirit. A simple yet contrasting ambience creates a sense of design and exclusivity. The urban environment facilitates engaging conversations between people and creates an energetic atmosphere.

 

Mr. Tanuj Pugalia, Dealer Principal, Gallops Autohaus, said, "We are thrilled to be a part of the MINI growth story in India and represent the iconic brand in Gujarat. The new showroom exhibits the passionate and inspiring character and brings to life all aspects of MINI. We are confident to play a significant role in the growing success story of MINI in Gujarat.”

 

The showroom features a 3 MINI display set-up, a MINI Cafe, MINI Lifestyle Collection and MINI Accessories on display. The facility delivers extremely high-quality standards in all processes of Sales, Service, Spare-parts and Business Systems to ensure that customers receive best-in-class pre as well as post sales ownership experience. As with every other MINI dealership, Gallops Autohaus has provided intense training to its staff, ensuring professional management of all business processes. A team of service engineers has also been trained at BMW Group India’s training center in Gurgaon,

 

MINI has successfully established itself as a premium small car brand in India. Presently, the MINI model range includes the MINI 3-door Hatch, MINI 5-door Hatch, MINI John Cooper Works Hatch, MINI Convertible, MINI Clubman and the locally-produced MINI Countryman. MINI has established nine authorized Dealerships in India – Bird Automotive (Delhi NCR), Infinity Cars (Mumbai), Krishna Automobiles (Chandigarh), Navnit Motors (Bangalore), KUN Exclusive (Chennai), KUN Exclusive (Hyderabad), Bavaria Motors (Pune), EVM Autokraft (Kochi) and Gallops Autohaus (Ahmedabad).

 

 

If you have any queries, please contact:

Internet: www.mini.in

 

INDIA’S GOLDEN GIRL- PUSARLA V SINDHU WINS TOP HONORS AT BWF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2019 IN BASEL

Bengaluru, 27^th August 2019: It was a proud moment for India, as the tricolor flew high in Basel,  the culture capital of Switzerland and the host of the BWF World Championship 2019 as P.V Sindhu created history by becoming the first person from India to win a Gold at the BWF World championships.

The 24-year-old Indian did the country proud by winning the women’s singles world title this year. This was Sindhu’s third consecutive final in the tournament. The crowd in Basel was treated to one of the most overwhelming performances of the badminton champions career, be it attacking, defending or rallying, Pusarla bossed the match. Sindhu is also the second Indian woman shuttler to have earned five medals. “I’m so happy. I was expecting this for a long time. It’s definitely a proud moment for me and for India. A lot of people have been waiting,” said the new queen of badminton.

Situated on the banks of the Rhine, Basel hosted both the BWF World Championships and BWF Para badminton World Championships this year attracting sports enthusiast and travellers from across the globe. This is the first time that these world championships for badminton and Para badminton have been hosted together in one city. The beautiful city’s 2,000-year history is still alive in all the nooks and crannies of the city’s old town and also offers a wide variety of historic landmarks, 40 unique museums, countless galleries and artistic laneways.

One of the most well-preserved and prettiest in Europe the city’s Historic landmarks include the large market square with its richly decorated red sandstone town hall and the late Romanesque-Gothic cathedral. Basel is also a paradise for museum lovers with almost 40 museums including the Basel Art Museum, the museum devoted to the iron sculptor Jean Tinguely, the Fondation Beyeler and the Museum of Cultures, Toy World Museum and Paper Mill Museum attract many visitors, as do several galleries and playhouses.

So, discover the best of Basel with its unique museums, historic landmark and world class events.

To Know more visit MySwitzerland.com/Basel

Seminor on exports from KARNATAKA - OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES.

Welcome Address by Mr Israr Ahmed, Regional Chairman, FIEO Southern Region

Mr D P Nagendra Kumar, IRS, Principal Chief Commissioner of Central Tax,

Mr Gaurav Gupta, IAS, Principal Secretary (Commerce & Industry), Government of Kamataka

Mr A K Jyotishi, IRS, Chief Commissioner of Customs, Bangalore Zone

Mr Panhasarathy Mukherjee, Managing Director & CEO, Lakshmi Vilas Bank Ltd Mr J V Patil, ITS, Additional Director General of Foreign Trade, Bangalore

Mr Srikar M S, IAS, Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, Government of Kamataka Mr. Peeush Jain, HeadRetail Banking, Lakshmi Vilas Bank Ltd

Mr. Vikas Bhanpurkar Head -Personal Banking, Business Banking & Wealth Management, Lakshmi Vilas Bank Ltd

Other dignitaries off the dais, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is indeed a great honour for me to welcome you all on behalf of FIEO.

We have the privilege of having with us today very senior Central and State Govt.

omcials who are responsible and taking care of the interest of exporting community.

India’s exports during the month of July 2019 were USD26.33billion, exhibiting a positive growth of 2.25per cent as compared to USD25.75billion in July 2018. The trends are encouraging especially in the context of negative growth in most of the competing countries including China. However, while analysing data, it is noted that 17 out of 30 major product groups were only in positive territory during July, 2019 which included few plantation and agri sector, marine products, iron ore, ceramic products & glassware, drugs & pharma, organic & inorganic chemicals, electronic goods, man-made yarn/fabs/made-ups, Readymade Garments, etc. Major products which contribute to the country's exports basket were in the negative territory such as the petmleum, plastic & linoleum, cotton yam/fabs/made-ups, handloom products, engineering goods, gems & jewellery, leather & leather products besides some of the agri sector.

In the emerging global trade scenario, where uncertainty created by the trade war between China and US, we are experiencing that most of our major markets are facing slow down in their economy. India cannot be insulated form this and hence we are facing contraction in demand form all our export destinations. However there are emerging opportunities coming form US and China they are looking for alternative sources. Recently Ministry of Commerce come up with a list of products which is 11”ng high potentials for India in this context and F IEO is geared up for providing relevant market information if any of the exporters desired to explore these opportunities.

The US and China are significantly raising import duties on each other’s' products. Due to which China is also willing more to provide better market access to India on a wide range of agriculture and processed food products.. All investments in China with prime focus on the US market may seek relocation and India would deiinitely be the option. There is a need to move aggnessively to woo such investors before they are allured by others. To effectively harness the emerging opportunities, India needs a carefully craft strategy and its meticulous implementation at the grass

roots level.

Export sector is still facing the problem of liquidity besides various other challenges including, volatility in commodities/currencics, rapid rise in trade restrictive measures and constraints on the domestic front.

Kamataka is having vast agricultural resources, rich natural and cultural heritage, skilled human resources. Karnataka has vibrant automobile, agto, aerospace, textile & garment, biotech & heavy engineering industries. The state has sector-specific SEZs for key industries such as IT, nanotechnology, biotechnology, engineering, food processing and aerospace. During 2018-19, the total exports of the state crossed USS 40.12 billion and contributed about 47 per cent in the state’s economy which is

highest amongst all southern states. Sectors such as biotechnology, computer software and electronics are major contributors in the overall exports from the state

I am extremely happy to Karnatka Govt. is giving lot of emphasis on export promotion and it is visible by presence of senior officials form Industries and Commercial Tax department in this program.

I would also like to highlight the support exporting community getting form Customs Central GST and State GST department and thank them for taking proactive steps for facilitating the trade. In fact several initiatives taken by the State GST department later been implemented all over India and E-way bill is one example.

FIEO is closely working with the Govt. to support and promote export form the Sate. In order to give special drive on increase exports from the state, we have identified few Industries as thrust sectors and guiding them on to give them appropriate training on Entrepreneurship development and skill upgradation, scope and Opportunities on Intemational trade and about free trade and preferencial trade agreements etc. The identities industries are agro, and processed food, aerospace & defence, textile & garments, biotech, Handicrafts, bulk drugs,etc.

I am sure that the state and central Govt. initiatives and proactiveness will go a long way in increasing contribution of Kamataka in national export kitty and help in economic growth, employment generation and reach to 5 Trillion Dollar economy as

envisaged by our Hon’ble PM.

Many of the industrial cluster in the state is land locked and need special attention and

efficient and cost effective logistic is the key to growth. There is a need to integrate

the state in global value chain by providing facilities to faster movement, easy on

doing business, lesser logistic costs etc. so that Kamatka can be integrate with South

East Asia Global value chain investment growth which is going to be critical growth for the region in coming years.

FIEO would like to identify around 10 champion services and promote them so as to

make karnataka to become global hub and generate investment and huge white colour

employment which is the aspiration of emerging low income group.

Unlocking India’s export potential in the coming years will be key, and the big push will have to come from emerging sectors in Kamataka. Innovative finance solutions , Marketing approach and product innovation and diversification along with support form all stake holder would be the key which will take export form Karnataka to the next level. I am sure that today’s session will help in understand initiatives taken by various departments and also to understand the issues faced by the exporters in the State so that FIEO can take lead in proposing various strategies for promotion.

With these words, I wish this programme at great success.

Launch of Marg: Empowering Students to make an Informed Career Choice

Government of Karnataka signs MOU with ERA Foundation to deliver Career counselling to 50000 Government students across 1000 schools using the

 Marg platform.

August 23, 2019, Bangalore: ERA FOUNDATION a not-for-profit firm, started by doyens of the education segment, has constantly been at the forefront of providing holistic improvement in the education sector in India.  After successful efforts at improving the quality of higher education, ERA has ventured into secondary education by the launch of its proprietary career counselling platform called Marg- Exploring Careers, Unlocking potential.

The Marg platform provides a simple, yet unique test that can be taken by a student online or offline. The test is unique because it not only considers psychometric and aptitude tests but also incorporates subject tests (Science, Math, Social Science and English). This gives a comprehensive outlook of students’ potential. A student takes the test and is given a 20-page report that recommends career options and vocations. Marg is also unique in that it is available in 6 Indian languages apart from English ie Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, Marathi, Hindi.

The event  saw the announcement of a tie-up between Karnataka Government and ERA Foundation for conducting the Marg test for 1000 Govt schools and benefitting 50,000 students in all the districts of Karnataka

Speaking on the occasion of the launch P.Muralidhar , CEO ERA Foundation said  “A brief insight into the education landscape of Karnataka would put things in perspective. Of the 300,000 students in Karnataka –Govt schools, more than 60 % study in the vernacular medium.” “It is our objective to reach this hitherto untouched, large segment of rural children through Marg in Kannada. Affordability is another key and we intend to keep the pricing low. For the first 50,000 students, we would conduct the counselling pro-bono” he added.

The Guest of Honour Shri SR Umashankar IAS, Principal Secretary Primary and Secondary Education, Government of Karnataka and the Chief Guest Dr MR Jayaram, Chairman ComedK unveiled the Marg platform.

Announcing the tie-up between Karnataka Government and ERA Foundation Shri Umashankar appreciated the initiative and said “Karnataka Government has always been at the forefront of education initiatives. Our initiative with the Marg platform will benefit 50,000 students across all districts. We hope to expand this in the coming years to cover the entire student population. I wish Marg and ERA all the best for the initiative”

Dr Jayaram, Chairman Comedk which has extended support to Marg was extremely pleased with the tie-up and thanked the Government. “The Marg counselling effort will not only benefit the students immensely but will also improve the quality of higher education by ensuring that students take up courses that they have the propensity for. In the long run, the output of students from professional courses is related to the incoming students. A correct fit of capabilities to courses would ensure student-success in the long run”

The launch was attended by teachers and Principals of key schools as well as some of the prominent Career counsellors. They appreciated the Marg platform and believed that Marg filled a very important void in the vernacular-medium counselling in India.

REFERENCE:  MURALIDHAR P. CEO, ERA Foundation                                                                                        

                          Email : muralidhar.p @erafoundation india.org

                         www.erafoundationindia.org

                          www.margforyou.com

SPARSH Foundation Announces 9th Edition of Guru Namana

                      

~ Aims to conduct 100 knee-replacement surgeries across 6 cities ~

Bengaluru, August 26, 2019: As a tribute to teachers & its continual drive against crippling arthritis, SPARSH Foundation, the charitable wing of SPARSH Hospital, announced the 9th edition of “Guru Namana programme”, with the intention of helping teachers. The program offers free joint replacement surgeries for retired teachers suffering from arthritis, performed by a highly-skilled team of doctors at SPARSH.

The program, which will be flagged off in Hassan on 29 August 2019, will offer free screening, surgery and post-operative care for teachers, who typically spend long hours on their feet.

The operating surgeons, theatre staff, nursing staff, paramedical staff, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietician, etc. will work under the umbrella of SPARSH Hospital. Retired teachers from any part of Karnataka carrying valid identity proofs and previous medical records can avail free screenings to become eligible.

Dr. Sharan Patil, Founder & Chairman, SPARSH Hospital said “We have been conducting the Guru-Namana Program as a way to thank the teachers, who are the backbone of our society. Unfortunately, teachers are kept in the low side of remuneration and most are unable to afford high-end treatments such as joint replacements. Through our initiative, we pay tribute to these unsung heroes of our lives. It is our way of celebrating Teacher’s Day.”

Interested people can walk into the following locations:

Hassan	29th Aug 2019	SPARSH Hospital, Hassan	10AM-2PM
Davanagere	05th September 2019	SPARSH SSIMS Hospital, Modi Compound, Near Gundi Circle, Davangere	9AM-2PM
Gulbarga	13th Sept 2019	SPARSH Outpatient Service Center, No. 2852, Opposite District Hospital, Sedan Road, Kalburgi	9.30AM-2.30PM
Raichur	14th Sept 2019	SPARSH Information Center, Uma Hotel complex	9AM-2PM
Bijapur	13th Sept 2019	SPARSH Information Center C/O, Yashodhara Superspecility Hospital, Solapur Bypass Road, Bijapur	9AM-2PM
Bangalore	30th August to 05thSeptember 2019	SPARSH Hospital, Infantry Road #146, Infantry Road, Opp.Police Commissioner's Office, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001	10AM-2PM

Operations will be performed upon the comfort of the patients after required mandatory checkups. This year also marks the 9th consecutive year of the Guru Namana program by SPARSH Hospital.

"In the last 8 years, the program was able to identify over 800 deserving retired teachers in need, by conducting the screening camps in Bangalore, Raichur, Bijapur, Gulbarga and Davangere. All the surgeries were successfully conducted free of cost," added Dr. Patil.

The people willing to extend their support the program can also donate liberally to SPARSH Foundation, which is also tax-free under the GoI Scheme ATG.

About SPARSH Foundation

With a mission to truly improve the quality of health care and make it affordable to the masses, apart from Guru Namana, the SPARSH Foundation has other initiatives like ‘Hejje Gurthu’ - which focuses on the identification and correction of club foot in kids & ‘Children in Need’ -  which funds children requiring complex and extensive surgical intervention.

Please find below, the pictures from the event.

For further information, please feel free to contact us.

CATFINANCIALS LAUNCHES INDIA OPERATIONS.

CATFINANCIALS LAUNCHES INDIA OPERATIONS.

CATERPILLAR FINANCIAL SERVICES INDIA Pvt.Ltd.
(Catfinancials), a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc.
announced the launch of their India operations head quartered
in Bengaluru.Catfinacials India along with Caterpillar's Two Indian
dealers GMMCO Ltd., & Gainwell Commo Sales Pvt.Ltd.,will support
customers in India by offering One stop solution for customised
financial services for a range of Cat products.

"With the financing options, Cat financials India offers One stop finacial
services to buy Caterpillar's productive,reliable & Innovative machines
in the competetive Indian Market" says,Mr.Chandrasekhar V,Mg.Director
and CEO ,GMMCO Ltd.,.The Bengaluru marks the presence of 41st
Cat financial globally.

Kotak Life Insurance Wockhardt Foundation Launch Four Mobile Medical Vans ln Bengaluru

Kotak Life Insurance Wockhardt Foundation Launch Four Mobile Medical Vans ln Bengaluru Bengalum. 26‘“ August. 2019: Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company ltd (Kotak Life) has collaborated with Wockhardt Foundation to launch four Mobile Medical Vans (MMVs) in Bengaluru under Kotak Life's flagship CSR Programme on Healthcare ’Life First’. The MMVs are Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC) on wheels, which will be managed by Kotak Life’s Partner NGO Wockhardt Foundation.

https://youtu.be/KIunUgrxONE

Each MMV will offer free basic medical services like awareness, diagnosis, cure and referrals, to underprivileged people in and around Bengaluru. Each MMV is staffed with a qualified doctor, a pharmacist, a programme coordinator / social worker and a driver. The MMV will extend a range of preventive and curative medicines to patients, and those who require further treatment will be referred by doctors to the nearest government healthcare bodies Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC) or hospitals. Each MMV aims to treat over 60 patients from the slums of Bengaluru per day, and thereby touch the lives of about 22,500 patients annually. Each MMV, has a GPS tracker, will be monitored by Wockhardt Foundation's CSR Programme office. G. Murlidhar, MD & CEO, Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Ltd. said, ”At KLI, our core purpose is to add value to people’s lives; healthcare is vital to life yet many are deprived of basic medical attention needed to lead a healthy life. Our CSR Programme for Healthcare ’Life First’, gives us an opportunity to serve people living in the impoverished pockets of Bengaluru who are in need of basic healthcare facilities. 

It gives me great joy to launch four Mobile Medical Vans (MMVs) under Kotak Life’s CSR Programme for Healthcare ’Life First’, which will be managed by our CSR partner Wockhardt Foundation.” Dr. Huz (Sir Dr. Huzaifa Khorakiwala,) Trustee and CEO, Wockhardt Foundation said, "T he provision of primary healthcare in the slums of Bengaluru is a major concern and requires action. Through our effort and this initiative, we aim to address the existing gaps in healthcare. Preventing diseases requires organizing resources, technology and concerted effort both at a local and national level. The cost of preventive and curative medical services is high. Under Kotak Life's CSR Programme for Healthcare ’Life First’, an experienced doctor, pharmacist and the team in the Mobile Medical Vans will provide free preventive and curative medical services, bringing remedy to the diseased, hope to the suffering and better quality of life to the underprivileged." Life First was launched in Chennai last year. On an average, each MMV has treated over 90 people from the slums of Chennai, per day, thereby touching approximately 117,300 lives till date. The intent is to contribute towards bringing about a positive change in the lives of the rural population.

 
About Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Ltd. Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Limited (Kotak Life) is a 100% owned subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra

Bank Limited (Kotak). Kotak Life provides world-class insurance products with high customer empathy. Its product suite leverages the combined prowess of protection and Iong-term savings. Kotak Life is one of the fastest growing insurance companies in India and has covered over 27 million lives as on 30‘h June, 2019.

For further information visit htta s: insurance.kotak.com.

About Wockhardt Foundation The group's not-for-profnt arm (which is operationally independent), Wockhardt Foundation was established in

year 2008 and is headed by Sir Dr. Huzaifa Khorakiwala (Son of Dr. Habil Khorakiwala (Ex-President FICCI, Chairman Wockhardt Group) and has a national presence. The Foundation runs various social service programmes in healthcare, education, environment protection. Its programmes have made perceptible change in its areas of operations to the lives of the underprivileged. The Foundation’s “Mobile 1000", its flagship programme, aims at operating 1000 Mobile Medical Vans in rural India and administering free primary healthcare to 25 million Indians every year. As of date, there are nearly 149 Mobile 1000 Vans operating in 19 States. Recently, Wockhardt Foundation was awarded “United Nations Consultative Status”.

Kia Motors launches Stylish, Bold SUV Seltos in India

Photo Caption: Mr Kookhyun Shim, MD & CEO, Kia Motors India at the launch of Kia Seltos in Bengaluru  

Kia Motors launches Stylish, Bold SUV Seltos in India 

·        Seltos launched at an introductory price of INR 9.69 lakhs (Ex-showroom PAN India)

·        Introduced in 2 trim lines – Tech and GT, 16 variants with 8 monotone and 5 dual-tone colour schemes; all BSVI compliant

·        32,035 bookings garnered overall so far with the commencement of PAN India deliveries starting today

Bangalore, 23 August 2019 – Kia Motors, the world’s 8^th largest automaker today launched its first product in mid-SUV segment, the Seltos in the Indian market with an introductory price starting from INR 9.69 lakhs (Ex-showroom PAN India) for the entry level Petrol Smartstream G1.5 HTE model going up to INR 15.99 Lakhs (Ex-showroom PAN India)  for the Diesel1.5 CRDi HTX plus (6AT) and Petrol Smartstream 1.4 T – Gdi GTX (7DCT) and GTX plus top-end variant. The Seltos is BS-VI compliant and available in both petrol and diesel variants with manual and automatic transmission options.

The company also announced the receipt of record 32,035 bookings for the Seltos so far which has set a new benchmark for the mid-SUV segment in the country. Kia Motors India is well equipped to handle the overwhelming demand for Seltos in the market.  The company’s Anantapur plant has an annual production capacity of 3,00,000 units which will allow the company to smoothly cater to the increasing demand of Seltos in the country.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr Kookhyun Shim, MD & CEO, Kia Motors India said, “The Seltos has been one of the most ambitious projects for Kia Motors and even more so for Kia Motors India. The Seltos marks the arrival of Kia in India for the first time, and we have put our heart and soul into this product. The Seltos is all about surprising everyone with its premium features, distinctive design, supreme quality, refined and powerful engine options, addictive performance and so much more. It is BS-VI compliant and has undergone extensive testing to meet emission norms even with the currently available BS-IV fuel, which makes it future proof. With the most advanced set of engine, fuel and transmission options in Seltos, we are confident to address all the unmet needs of the segment today. For our new age digital savvy customer, we have also designed a complete digital journey from booking, sales and delivery to aftersales service thereby ensuring the most evolved ownership experience ever. I am confident that Seltos will redefine the entire mid SUV segment in India.”

Seltos is available in Smartstream 1.4 turbo petrol with a 6-speed manual/7-speed DCT, smartstream 1.5 petrol with 6-speed manual/IVT and 1.5 diesel VGT with 6-speed manual/6-speed automatic. Further, all the engines will be BS-VI compliant, making Seltos the first car in the segment to meet the emissions norms that will come into effect next year. The Seltos will have two distinct design lines – Tech Line aimed at family-oriented customers and GT Line aimed at enthusiasts who are young at heart. The Seltos line up will get premium and smart features such as 8.0 inch heads-up-display, 10.25 inch HD touchscreen, a hi-tech sound mood lamp, a rear shade curtain, 360 degree surround view monitor, blind spot monitoring, world’s first connected air-purifier, highly advanced proprietary UVO connect system with 37 unique features for a wireless and seamless communication with the car, an 8-Speaker Bose Hi-Fi sound system with sound mood lamp and more. Host of safety features, ESC, VSM, 6 Airbags and use of AHSS- Advanced high strength steel.

The Kia Seltos will be offered in a variety of 8 sensuous colors and will get 5 dual tone options to keep the young and dynamic character of the car intact.

Further easing the buying process, Kia’s partnership with 8 leading banks of India will help the customers get the most attractive financing options with the lowest interest rates and desired paying back period. To add more comfort to the buying process for the customer, the company has designed a unique online purchase process, which begins with booking, selection, to financing and closes with delivery.  Two leading banks of the country have tied up with the company to offer a complete online financing option to customers as well.

Seltos will come with Kia Motors’ comprehensive Promise to care service program which has been designed on the core philosophy of CARE-Connected, Adaptive, Responsive and Engage, which dovetails into a never before service experience for our customers. The service network of across 160 cities in India is supported by a digitized, IOT enabled Kia LINK app to efficiently manage service lifecycle. Spare parts network ensures spare parts are available across the country through 4 Parts Depots in Chennai, Navi Mumbai, Delhi NCR and Kolkata. The Seltos comes with a 3 years comprehensive warranty, extendable upto 5 years. The offering includes 24/7 Road side assistance of 3 years and scratch care program for one time free repair, amongst others.